Richardson has no interest in running for the Senate, an advisor said.

WASHINGTON (CNN) – New Mexico Gov. Bill Richardson has no interest in seeking the seat of retiring Republican Sen. Pete Domenici, a senior political adviser to the governor tells CNN.

“Gov. Richardson is running for the White House unequivocally, and we are going to be the Democratic nominee,” the adviser said.

Richardson is running for the Democratic presidential nomination, but there have been rumors that he would drop out of the race and run for the Senate if Domenici retired. Domenici, 75, was set to announce his retirement Thursday afternoon at a news conference in Albuquerque. Domenici was first elected to the Senate in 1972.

The senior Richardson adviser noted that if Richardson does not win the Democratic nomination, he will return to his job as governor. Richardson made a similar comment during a recent CNN editorial board meeting.

“He has no interest,” in the Senate seat, the adviser emphasized. “He will go back and continue his job as governor serving the people of New Mexico.”

He has no interest in being vice president, a U.S. Senator, and the democratic voters have no interest in him as a presidential candidate. Where does that leave us Bill? Oh Yeah! Secretary of State Bill Richardson! Don't attack Hillary or Barack or John too much or you may lose your seat at the table. I want YOU to talk to Mahmoud Ahmadinejad. I want YOU to set our diplomatic negotiations on the proper course. You can't do that as Gov. of New Mexico or as an also ran.

This is a win-win for Richardson. He can continue to be coy about running for that Senate seat while still raking in presidential campaign contributions. His supporters may be more inclined to donate to his campaign because even if he decides to drop out of the presidential race, he could transfer those funds to his new Senate campaign.

Big mistake. Richardson would be a lock for that senate seat, and frankly Senate is a lot more strategic a position for the Dems to have than governor's mansions. Now they'll have to fight, and divert party resources to take that seat. Richardson would have been a free pickup.

Richardson is the most qualified Democrat running for President. He's served in The Cabinet so he knows how to make friends on the hill. He's also been a Governor, so he knows how to be a good Executive. I met him in 2000 and he's smart, well-spoken and very down to Earth. He'll get my vote in the primary, for sure. I can only hope that others will think for themselves and not let the media tell them who to vote for based on who raises the most money.

Bill Richardson has served as a congressman, Energy Secretary, UN Ambassador and is now in his second term as Governor of New Mexico. Senate would be a step backwards for him. It's time that people start listening to Richardson's message and realize that the only candidate who can truly improve the US reputation around the world is Richardson- a 4 time Nobel Peace Prize nominee.

Richardson has been in Congress for 14 years in the lower chambers- US House so why run for Senate. He was UN Ambassador,Secretary of Energy and Governor – He is strongly qualified to be President- but he is being overshadowed by Hillary Clinton- the likely Democratic nominee- She is the former First Lady of the United States- wife of the popular former President. Barack Obama- the rock star candidate. and John Edwards- former Presidential and VP candidate- Richardson has more experience to be President than Obama and Edwards. Hillary Clinton is going to with the Presidency in 2008. She will win re-election in 2012. Richardson will have to wait until 2016 to make another Presidential run. A Senator Richardson will not be a credible Presidential candidate in 2016. If Richardson is VP or Secretary of State from 2009-2016. He might be the front runner for the 2008 Democratic Presidential Nomination and can win in the general election. Richardson has a better chance of becoming President as a popular former Governor who negotiates with foriegn leaders and a Noble peace Price Winner. He can be head a public policy think tank- dealing international issues- Trade and National Security. He can be a Public Policy Analyst of a Cable Talk Show. He will maintian his Stateman like stature if he does not run for Senate.
Look at the 2008 Republican Presidential candidate- Had Cheney or Condi Rice ran- They would have lost in the General Election to Hillary Clinton.
McCain is the only top tier candidate that is a Senator- He is unlikely to get the nomination. The front runner- Guiliani- is a former NYC mayor during 9-11 but is unaccepted by Social Conservatives and Romney is a former MA Governor but he is inexperienced. Thompson is the elders statesman candidate but he is too Conservative for the electorate. Richardson in 2016 can distant him self from the Unpopular Hillary Clinton adminstration and run as a outsider candidate with experience and stature. In 2016 Obama's star appeal will diminish. Unless he runs for Governor in 2010.